Dominant Utd thrash West Brom
10 March 2014 4:32 AM IST
In what was United’s first game since their 2-0 defeat by Olympiakos in the Champions League, Moyes saw headers in each half from Jones and Rooney put the visitors in control before substitute Welbeck added gloss with a clinical late strike.
United striker Robin van Persie was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card after a reckless challenge in the second half, but overall it was a rare satisfying afternoon for Moyes, whose side climbed to sixth place in the Premier League table.
By the 34th minute United were ahead, though, as a Van Persie free-kick was headed home emphatically by Jones after a Chris Brunt foul on Rafael on the right-hand edge of the area.
But United’s defensive frailties were apparent again seven minutes before the interval when Claudio Yacob headed Jonas Olsson’s flick-on inches over the United crossbar.
Yacob was forced off three minutes later after a Fellaini challenge left him with a nasty gash on his thigh, with James Morrison introduced in his place.
Mata’s probing long ball prompted Foster to dart to the edge of the area as Van Persie closed in, but the goalkeeper swung and missed with his attempted clearance and the ball struck him on the arm.
United vehemently protested for Foster to be penalised, but referee Jonathan Moss elected to wave play on in what appeared a lucky escape for the England international.
The hosts were forced into another change when Brunt had to go off, but the Baggies’ delay in getting Saido Berahino on the field was punished in the 65th minute when a pinpoint Rafael delivery was headed home by the unmarked Rooney at the back post.
Rooney turned provider with eight minutes left when he threaded a pass through to Welbeck, who coolly dispatched a shot beyond the advancing Foster.
Manchester United manager David Moyes said ‘It was more like it. We were more creative and played well.’
Arsenal knock Everton out of FA Cup
LONDON: Arsenal cruised into the FA Cup semifinals as a late brace from substitute Olivier Giroud sealed a 4-1 win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger’s side remain on course to finally end their nine-year trophy drought thanks to an enterprising quarter-final display in the spring sunshine in north London.
Mesut Ozil ended his three-month wait for a goal to give the hosts a perfect start before Romelu Lukaku’s equaliser.
Once Mikel Arteta had converted a penalty midway through the second half there was only ever going to be one winner and France forward Giroud’s late double ensured Arsenal can look forward to a last-four date at Wembley in April.
With Arsenal’s Champions League hopes hanging by a slender thread - they travel to Bayern Munich on Tuesday trailing 2-0 from the first leg - and their Premier League title charge fading, the FA Cup could represent their best chance for silverware this season.
Arsenal will look to repeat the performance of last season against Bayern.
United striker Robin van Persie was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card after a reckless challenge in the second half, but overall it was a rare satisfying afternoon for Moyes, whose side climbed to sixth place in the Premier League table.
By the 34th minute United were ahead, though, as a Van Persie free-kick was headed home emphatically by Jones after a Chris Brunt foul on Rafael on the right-hand edge of the area.
But United’s defensive frailties were apparent again seven minutes before the interval when Claudio Yacob headed Jonas Olsson’s flick-on inches over the United crossbar.
Yacob was forced off three minutes later after a Fellaini challenge left him with a nasty gash on his thigh, with James Morrison introduced in his place.
Mata’s probing long ball prompted Foster to dart to the edge of the area as Van Persie closed in, but the goalkeeper swung and missed with his attempted clearance and the ball struck him on the arm.
United vehemently protested for Foster to be penalised, but referee Jonathan Moss elected to wave play on in what appeared a lucky escape for the England international.
The hosts were forced into another change when Brunt had to go off, but the Baggies’ delay in getting Saido Berahino on the field was punished in the 65th minute when a pinpoint Rafael delivery was headed home by the unmarked Rooney at the back post.
Rooney turned provider with eight minutes left when he threaded a pass through to Welbeck, who coolly dispatched a shot beyond the advancing Foster.
Manchester United manager David Moyes said ‘It was more like it. We were more creative and played well.’
Arsenal knock Everton out of FA Cup
LONDON: Arsenal cruised into the FA Cup semifinals as a late brace from substitute Olivier Giroud sealed a 4-1 win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger’s side remain on course to finally end their nine-year trophy drought thanks to an enterprising quarter-final display in the spring sunshine in north London.
Mesut Ozil ended his three-month wait for a goal to give the hosts a perfect start before Romelu Lukaku’s equaliser.
Once Mikel Arteta had converted a penalty midway through the second half there was only ever going to be one winner and France forward Giroud’s late double ensured Arsenal can look forward to a last-four date at Wembley in April.
With Arsenal’s Champions League hopes hanging by a slender thread - they travel to Bayern Munich on Tuesday trailing 2-0 from the first leg - and their Premier League title charge fading, the FA Cup could represent their best chance for silverware this season.
Arsenal will look to repeat the performance of last season against Bayern.
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